Page 42 of Caged

“I think the only one I know of is at the entrance. But, you’ll need to clear it after you leave.” I hope we can pull this off. If Nikolai finds us getting rid of the body, I might have to resort to skipping straight to capturing him.

More likely, mortally wounding him in hopes he gives up the information to keep Elena safe.

From me.

Ugh. That makes my stomach roll.

I have to save my brother. He’s the priority.

If it comes down to him or Nikolai, neither of those options make me feel better.

What can I do to keep her occupied?

“The body is in the upstairs office. I’ll keep the daughter entertained.” It feels so formal saying it like that.

“I’ll be there in less than five.” Tyler clicks the line dead.

My arms and legs tingle as I work my way back to Elena.

Her dark eyes look up when I step into the room.

“I have an idea,” I whisper. “Svetlana is in the bathroom. Want to hide out with me and do a fashion show? We can bring some of your costumes.”

A toothy smile, revealing the missing one, lights up her face. “Even my princess dress?” she squeals, then quickly quiets herself.

I put my finger over my mouth to hush her.

Dead women can’t hear the happy sounds of children, but Elena doesn’t need to know that.

Her little palms clap onto her lips and she jumps up to her make-believe box.

She soundlessly stuffs my arms full of puffy dresses and fairy wings before we sneak into my room.

Exploding into giggles when the latch clicks, she rushes to me and pulls out a bright pink tutu and drops to the floor to slide her legs in.

We get lost in fancy clothes and laughter until I get a text from Tyler.

Tyler: there were TWO cameras, but I got them both

Me: Good. What did you do with the item?

Tyler: Have a contact that does helicopter tours over the Hoover Dam. It’s going to be dropped into the turbines after dark.

That’s so perfect.

Svetlana fish food.

SIXTEEN

NIKOLAI

Why won’t she answer me?

Is she really that upset that she would ignore my calls?

Fuck.

Who’s going to watch Elena?

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